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The Two Ways: The Early Christian Vision of Discipleship from the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas
How did earliest Christians receive and understand the teaching of Jesus and the apostles? These writings, among the earliest used in training new disciples, show a clear, vibrant, practical faith concerned with all aspects of discipleship in daily life―vocation, morality, family life, social justice, the sacraments, prophesy, citizenship, and leadership.
For the most part, these writings have remained buried in academia, analyzed by scholars but seldom used for building up the church community. Now, at a time when Christians of every persuasion are seeking clarity by returning to the roots of their faith, these simple, direct teachings shed light on what it means to be a follower of Christ in any time or place.
The Didache, an anonymous work composed in the late first century AD, was lost for centuries before being rediscovered in 1873. The Shepherd was written by a former slave named Hermas in the second century AD or possibly even earlier.
For the most part, these writings have remained buried in academia, analyzed by scholars but seldom used for building up the church community. Now, at a time when Christians of every persuasion are seeking clarity by returning to the roots of their faith, these simple, direct teachings shed light on what it means to be a follower of Christ in any time or place.
The Didache, an anonymous work composed in the late first century AD, was lost for centuries before being rediscovered in 1873. The Shepherd was written by a former slave named Hermas in the second century AD or possibly even earlier.
- GenresChristian
102 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2018
28 people want to read
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* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 27, 2020
This short book contains an interesting introduction by Rowan Williams and two works: the Didache and (excerpts from) the Shepherd of Hermas. Here's where I am irritated. There is nothing on the front cover, back cover, or title page that indicates that only excerpts of the Shepherd are included. Hence my marking down to one star. I gather that the Shepherd is longish and not very interesting in parts, but the fact that it is excerpts should be more clearly marked. Also, I would like to know what I'm missing. They should summarize the parts left out.
April 27, 2018
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Plough Publishing House and Edelweiss/Net Gallery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Having already read and made myself familiar with the collection of apostolic fathers and even started writing at some length about them [1], I came across this book somewhat by chance, as the publisher sent me an e-mail requesting a review since I had reviewed a previous book of theirs. While I do not think the publisher was aware that the Apostolic Fathers were such a serious interest of mine as a writer, it so happens that I can definitely appreciate this work, which comes in at just under 100 pages and serves as a worthwhile introduction to two of the works of this venerable and all-too-obscure collection of ancient texts. With a thoughtful introduction by Rowan Williams, this book clearly appeals to those who have an interest in Hellenistic Christianity and would like to better understand some of the ways in which that way of thinking started in the early centuries of the Christian era.
The contents of this book are simple and straightforward. For one, there is an introduction which places this book in a friendly context, tying the writings of the Apostolic Fathers as a whole to the persecutions of the Roman Empire and to the ambivalent at best relationship with the Roman state that early Christians had. The introduction also speaks out against the militarism that has become all too common among contemporary Christians as well. After this there comes an elegant and straightforward translation of both the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas in a form that is easy to read and understand and that should find a great deal of interest from readers. The books are not written for scholarly interpretation, and they are largely free of textual notes, but they are definitely accessible for a mass reading audience that will likely appreciate the low cost and ease of reading that can be found in this particular collection. At present the Apostolic Fathers as a whole are an extremely obscure set of books, but with more volumes like this one in mass circulation they will probably become much better known than they are at present.
One of the aspects that makes this version of the Shepherd of Hermas in particular far better than many of its competitors is being a complete version (rather than beginning abruptly as some do) and in having introductory material that helps place the book in the context of its writing in the second century. Likewise, the Didache version included here is a very excellent one--the translation work done is quite excellent overall. This is the sort of book that is easy to appreciate, and even when a reader is not necessarily one for whom the label of Hellenistic Christian fits, and who has some questions about what is meant by the Didache in particular [2], this is definitely a welcome volume. Although not all readers of this book are likely to have a scholarly interest in early Christianity, it is likely that a great many readers will find much to admire here. Those looking for ancient warrant for their own beliefs and in their own interpretations of scripture as well as their own efforts at enjoying (and perhaps creating) Christian literature will find much to appreciate in this volume as well. Overall, I'm quite glad that this book providentially came my way.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
Having already read and made myself familiar with the collection of apostolic fathers and even started writing at some length about them [1], I came across this book somewhat by chance, as the publisher sent me an e-mail requesting a review since I had reviewed a previous book of theirs. While I do not think the publisher was aware that the Apostolic Fathers were such a serious interest of mine as a writer, it so happens that I can definitely appreciate this work, which comes in at just under 100 pages and serves as a worthwhile introduction to two of the works of this venerable and all-too-obscure collection of ancient texts. With a thoughtful introduction by Rowan Williams, this book clearly appeals to those who have an interest in Hellenistic Christianity and would like to better understand some of the ways in which that way of thinking started in the early centuries of the Christian era.
The contents of this book are simple and straightforward. For one, there is an introduction which places this book in a friendly context, tying the writings of the Apostolic Fathers as a whole to the persecutions of the Roman Empire and to the ambivalent at best relationship with the Roman state that early Christians had. The introduction also speaks out against the militarism that has become all too common among contemporary Christians as well. After this there comes an elegant and straightforward translation of both the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas in a form that is easy to read and understand and that should find a great deal of interest from readers. The books are not written for scholarly interpretation, and they are largely free of textual notes, but they are definitely accessible for a mass reading audience that will likely appreciate the low cost and ease of reading that can be found in this particular collection. At present the Apostolic Fathers as a whole are an extremely obscure set of books, but with more volumes like this one in mass circulation they will probably become much better known than they are at present.
One of the aspects that makes this version of the Shepherd of Hermas in particular far better than many of its competitors is being a complete version (rather than beginning abruptly as some do) and in having introductory material that helps place the book in the context of its writing in the second century. Likewise, the Didache version included here is a very excellent one--the translation work done is quite excellent overall. This is the sort of book that is easy to appreciate, and even when a reader is not necessarily one for whom the label of Hellenistic Christian fits, and who has some questions about what is meant by the Didache in particular [2], this is definitely a welcome volume. Although not all readers of this book are likely to have a scholarly interest in early Christianity, it is likely that a great many readers will find much to admire here. Those looking for ancient warrant for their own beliefs and in their own interpretations of scripture as well as their own efforts at enjoying (and perhaps creating) Christian literature will find much to appreciate in this volume as well. Overall, I'm quite glad that this book providentially came my way.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
May 18, 2018
I read and review scores of books by current authors describing how they think contemporary Christianity is to be practiced. But what did early Christians think about how they were to practice their faith? Two early documents are included in this short book as examples of the earliest nonbiblical Christian writings. There is also a lengthy Introduction by Rowan Williams.
I was introduced to the Didache several years ago. It is the earliest document we have that explains training disciples in Christian faith. It dates to the late first century and is anonymous. It contains instruction on ethics, baptism, and the Eucharist. It emphasizes the Two Ways, one to life and the other to death. The Christian practice described in this document may be thought of as radical today. The saying, “Jesus is Lord,” really had teeth. Believers were to actually live out a radical commitment to the commandments of Jesus.
The Shepherd was written by a former slave named Hermas and dates to the second century. Hermas received visions and revelations. Some of it has parable like visions, such as making a building from stones. Other parts contain teaching from an angel on Christian living and the character traits one is to have.
Reading this book reminded me how our contemporary Christianity is so different from that of the early church. The Didache seems to require a great deal of instruction before a new believer could be baptized. Fasting was common. One should pray three times a day, after the model of the Lord's Prayer. Only the baptized could participate in the Eucharist. Itinerant prophets who asked for money were to be considered false prophets. So were ones who stayed longer than one or two days.
I found the Shepherd a little more difficult to appreciate. The teachings of the angel were clear. One is to be patient and not have anger, for example. “For the Lord lives in patience, but the devil lives in an angry temper.” (Loc 385/784) But the visions were allegorical. Even though the angel explained them, they did not have the impact on me like the Didache did.
I recommend this short book to Christians who would like to know how Christianity was practiced by early Christians. It brings to light some of the craziness of the contemporary Western church.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I was introduced to the Didache several years ago. It is the earliest document we have that explains training disciples in Christian faith. It dates to the late first century and is anonymous. It contains instruction on ethics, baptism, and the Eucharist. It emphasizes the Two Ways, one to life and the other to death. The Christian practice described in this document may be thought of as radical today. The saying, “Jesus is Lord,” really had teeth. Believers were to actually live out a radical commitment to the commandments of Jesus.
The Shepherd was written by a former slave named Hermas and dates to the second century. Hermas received visions and revelations. Some of it has parable like visions, such as making a building from stones. Other parts contain teaching from an angel on Christian living and the character traits one is to have.
Reading this book reminded me how our contemporary Christianity is so different from that of the early church. The Didache seems to require a great deal of instruction before a new believer could be baptized. Fasting was common. One should pray three times a day, after the model of the Lord's Prayer. Only the baptized could participate in the Eucharist. Itinerant prophets who asked for money were to be considered false prophets. So were ones who stayed longer than one or two days.
I found the Shepherd a little more difficult to appreciate. The teachings of the angel were clear. One is to be patient and not have anger, for example. “For the Lord lives in patience, but the devil lives in an angry temper.” (Loc 385/784) But the visions were allegorical. Even though the angel explained them, they did not have the impact on me like the Didache did.
I recommend this short book to Christians who would like to know how Christianity was practiced by early Christians. It brings to light some of the craziness of the contemporary Western church.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 16, 2018
This is an early bird review for “The Two Ways” published by Plough Publishing House and edited by Veery Huleatt.
“The Two Ways” contains the complete text of the “The Didache” and excerpts from “The Shepherd of Hermas.” These are two ancient Christian texts from the Patristic era.
The translation from Greek into English was provided by Michael W. Holmes and is very readable.
There is little commentary beyond the introduction provided by Archbishop Rowan William and thus the reader is allowed to respond directly to this non-biblical but important spiritual text of the early Christian community.
The physical format of the book is compact, but the font is an easy read. The relative shortness of the book, 75 pages, makes it a great read as time allows throughout the day or perhaps for nightly reading.
I’m very glad that Plough Publishing has made these two early Christian writings available to a broader audience beyond just scholarly or pastoral circles.
Overall, I’d recommend this book for those with an interest in matters spiritual, Christian or not.
“The Two Ways” contains the complete text of the “The Didache” and excerpts from “The Shepherd of Hermas.” These are two ancient Christian texts from the Patristic era.
The translation from Greek into English was provided by Michael W. Holmes and is very readable.
There is little commentary beyond the introduction provided by Archbishop Rowan William and thus the reader is allowed to respond directly to this non-biblical but important spiritual text of the early Christian community.
The physical format of the book is compact, but the font is an easy read. The relative shortness of the book, 75 pages, makes it a great read as time allows throughout the day or perhaps for nightly reading.
I’m very glad that Plough Publishing has made these two early Christian writings available to a broader audience beyond just scholarly or pastoral circles.
Overall, I’d recommend this book for those with an interest in matters spiritual, Christian or not.
August 8, 2018
Rowan Williams' introduction to this small volume is worth the cost of the whole book. By explaining the political context of the early Church and how the Lordship of Jesus relativizes the legitimacy of all earthly rulers, Williams shows why the strict behavioral standards in the Didache and Shepherd of Hermas matter so much. Christian ethics, as described in these early Church writings, are a matter of obeying Jesus Christ as Lord instead of the false lords of the world, whether they be our appetites, our political rulers, or our idols. The Church today needs to hear this message afresh.
March 2, 2019
Unfortunately, I found Rowan Williams introduction more interesting than the rest of the book.
Although there were some portions of the Didache and Shepherd that were found engaging and inspiring, I found this translation to be drab. As a Christian, I also need to say that, from my perspective, these two translated works seem to demonstrate how early the Christians have drifted from the center of faith in Christ.
Perhaps it's just me... but I was disappointed with this book.
Although there were some portions of the Didache and Shepherd that were found engaging and inspiring, I found this translation to be drab. As a Christian, I also need to say that, from my perspective, these two translated works seem to demonstrate how early the Christians have drifted from the center of faith in Christ.
Perhaps it's just me... but I was disappointed with this book.
June 19, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book, seem more like a history book reading this old Christian documents from early centuries. As a Christian I don't quite agree with everything in the book but had a lot of good things in it and I did enjoy again the history andrean such old documents.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews